queenstown without sheep

Simon Tan writing in the Singapore publication 'Today' (27/8/09) extols the virtues of Hokkaido, even when there is no snow.

I was drawn to Hokkaido on my first ski trip in 2001. As the northernmost island of Japan, the cold Siberian winds which cut a swathe through its landscape every winter almost guarantee soft, fluffy snow during its long ski season stretching from late November to early May.

For beginners keen to master skiing or snowboarding, this is godsent. With broad boulevards of freshly-combed snow braiding the mountains under clear blue skies, beginners and intermediate skiers can make a tentative attempt at a downhill descent after only a morning’s ski lessons by good looking, English-speaking ski instructors.

And if you do fall, you are cushioned by the bountiful snow, thus reducing the risk of injuries save for a bruised ego. With the polite Japanese more likely to avoid you with an apologetic “sumimasen” even when you do get into their way, it is not difficult to see why towns like Niseko, Sahoro and Furano have earned a rabid following among the ski fraternity in Singapore.

Then again, what would Hokkaido be like without the blanket of white, fluffy snow enveloping its slopes and valleys, making it oh so Christmas-y?

I decided to find out. I soon discovered that Hokkaido prides itself as an all-action destination that caters to young and old all year round. With the congenial people and agreeable weather, visitors have flocked in increasing numbers to this relatively untrammelled island to enjoy the abundant sights and activities.
Here are some interesting towns that are worth a visit.

Niseko
Anyone who has visited this town would say that it resembles Queenstown in New Zealand — without the sheep. Despite the rapid construction of apartment blocks by Australians keen on capitalising on Niseko’s wonderful attraction as a ski destination, a visit during autumn offers an unparalleled vista of cascading hills and mountains of golden leaves.

You can drive through Niseko’s Scenic Byway, which runs through two national parks, to enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery. Those who prefer physical activity can cycle or hike through the countryside with its many waterfalls and marshlands. Well-marked spots on the Scenic Byway will show shutterbugs where they can stop for a photo. Just pick up a map from the Hokkaido tourist office.

In Hirafu village, visit Kushi Tapas Restaurant for Japanese tapas, or, if you are into fine, Japanese-Australian fusion dining, try the adjoining Sekka restaurant. Accommodations are plentiful. Karonomori Hotel has a cavernous onsen to soak in. For those who prefer clean, minimalist decor, try the J Sekka Annupuri Lodge.

vending machines

One of the things that visitors to Japan notice is the omnipresent vending machine. In many places, several vending machines can often be found lined up on the side of a street, and they sell a variety of products. As of the end of 2008, the number of operational vending machines in Japan was about 5.26 million, which is much higher than that of other countries. In Japan, low rates of vandalism and petty crime ensure that vending machines could be placed outside. In the 1970s, a major beverage company created canned coffee and began to sell it through vending machines that could keep drinks either hot or cold. Later, an improved version was produced that could keep hot and cold drinks in the same machine, at the same time. This made it possible with the same machine to sell only cold drinks in spring and summer, then both hot and cold ones in fall and winter. Another reason why vending machines are so popular here is partly because the Japanese feel a certain affinity with robots. A vending machine can be regarded as a kind of robot. Japanese people have a positive view of robots, as depicted in highly popular Japanese animations such as Astro Boy and Doraemon. Most Japanese do not mind buying goods or receiving services from robots.

One drink vending machine in Japan has its own lottery: after purchasing your drink, an electric roulette starts. If you win, you can get another drink free of charge. Unique vending machines only found in a certain place are also popular. The most famous may be those which stock canned oden (Japanese Pot-au-fer) and canned ramen noodles in Akihabara, Tokyo. Another interesting angle is seen in "drink vending machines with short comedy skits," which have been installed mainly in rest areas along an expressway. Insert coins, select your coffee and the machine will grind beans, brew coffee, and pour it into a paper cup. During the waiting time - which could last up to a minute - short comedy skits play on the LCD screen for your entertainment. There are many other examples of vending machine ingenuity to be found at train stations: "paperback vending machines" which sell the latest popular titles, "umbrella vending machines" in case of a sudden shower, and "business card makers" - an especially "Japanese" type of vending machine, as business cards are essential in Japan and the exchange of cards as a greeting is very important in business.

Vending machines can be found on streets everywhere. Power is always supplied to them, and recently broadband or wireless communications technology has enabled vending machines to be equipped with fast Internet connections. More and more vending machines also have LCD screens, and they have started to play new roles on various occasions. One such role can be seen when a disaster strikes. Some vending machines have a function called "free vend," which offers free drinks in an emergency such as natural disasters. This "free vend" actually worked well in October 2004, when the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquakes hit the area. There are also vending machines equipped with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and others which will direct you a place of refuge in a natural disaster. In big city areas, you can find various types of vending machines that cater to working commuters at the train stations, while vegetable/egg vending machines and rice polishing machines are found in farming towns. Discover the great variety of vending machines in Japan and imagine the next generation of vending machines to come.

Source: JAL e-information 'point of interest'

[AAC Niseko has a beer vending machine in the lodge, of course]

doing a season in niseko

A guide for expatriates on 'doing a season in Niseko'.
HT: Nisekoguide & Shred Syndicate.

signatures

Sweetgrass Productions’ new film, 'Signatures', premieres in little more than a month on 19 September in Aspen and Montreal. Filmed in Niseko backcountry, the promotional YouTube trailer provides a taste of the film. A release date in Australia has not yet been announced.

big thrills in Japan

In some parts of Japan (notably not Niseko) the local authorities actively discourage off-piste skiing. It seems that surfers had very similar problems thirty years ago:

"Here's a picture of me with the police," laughs Noboru Tagawa, handing me a faded photo. "They are writing me a ticket for surfing. This was 1979." Noboru was Hokkaido's first surfer and now runs a ski school at one of the island's winter resorts. "They thought surfing was dangerous and irresponsible. Whenever we went in, they would come with loud hailers and call us from the water. So we set up a surfing federation, and proved to everyone surfing was a great thing to be involved with."

The full article from 'The Independent' (UK) about summer in Hokkaido is here.